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(11) | EP 3 442 809 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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SLOT INTERFACE FIXEDLY COUPLED TO FRAME FEST MIT DEM RAHMEN GEKOPPELTE SCHLITZSCHNITTSTELLE INTERFACE DE FENTE COUPLÉE DE FAÇON FIXE À UN CADRE |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
BACKGROUND
[0001] Imaging devices, such as multifunction peripheral devices, may be designed in a modular fashion, such that various components (such as a scanner module, a finisher module, a cart, a stand, etc.) are manufactured independently. This approach may improve manufacturing line efficiency and flexibility to satisfy unanticipated market demand for certain product configurations.
[0002] WO2015/192346A1A discloses a wall mounting device, comprising slide strips used for connecting a display screen, fixing frames used for being fixed on a wall, and guide rail assemblies arranged between the slide strips and the fixing frames. A guide rail assembly comprises a first guide rail in a sliding fit with a slide strip and a second guide rail in a sliding fit with a fixing frame, the installation direction of the slide strip being a first direction for preset adjustment, and the installation direction of the fixing frame being a second direction for preset adjustment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003]
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example imaging device module.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example system of assembled example imaging device modules.
Figures 3-5 are perspective views of example assembly states of an example system.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of example components of an example system of example imaging device modules.
Figures 7-9 are flow diagrams depicting example methods of connecting a first imaging device module to a second imaging device module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0004] In the following description and figures, some example implementations of imaging device modules, systems, and/or methods of connecting imaging device modules are described. As used herein, a device module is a physical section of an imaging system. For example, the components of a device or related-devices may be compartmentalized based on functionality provided by that set of components. In this manner, a customer may be able to select a certain set of features and receive a customized system by attaching the modules of the selected features together.
[0005] In examples described herein, an imaging system may include device modules that provide a functionality (or multiple functionalities). Imaging systems with modular designs generally include a base device module and a component device module, such as a scanner device module or a cart module. A base device module may include a print device to print content on a physical medium (e.g., paper or a layer of powder-based build material, etc.) with a printing fluid (e.g., ink) or toner. In the case of printing on a layer of powder-based build material, the printing device may utilize the deposition of printing fluids in a layer-wise additive manufacturing process. A printing device may utilize suitable printing consumables, such as ink, toner, fluids or powders, or other raw materials for printing. In some examples, a printing device may be a three-dimensional (3D) printing device. An example of printing fluid is ink ejectable from a printhead. A scanner device module may include components used to perform a scanning operation on target media. An automatic document feeder (ADF) device module may include components to facilitate automatic feeding of the media into the imaging system. A finisher device module may include components used to receive media and perform finishing operations, such as stapling, collating, etc. A cart device module may include components such as structural supports and wheels to allow the imaging system to be mobile.
[0006] Structural integrity and assembly time are factors that may be considered when determining a type of attachment between imaging modules. For example, the device modules may be designed such that the method of attachment is simple, robust, and does not compromise product aesthetics. In another example such as when the components are manufactured and shipped independently for assembly elsewhere, the components may be designed with shipping density in mind.
[0007] Various examples described below relate to an attachment approach using a slot interface on a first device module to receive a bracket that attaches to a second device module. By inserting a bracket into a slot interface on a module of the assembly and then fastened in place, a load placed on the module may be carried through the point of connection made by the bracket and slot interface combination which may, for example, enable structural integrity of the system via the rigid attachment approach.
[0008] A "moment", as used herein, refers to a force (e.g., a load) with reference to an object. For example, a moment may be a load induced in a structural element of an imaging device module by an external force. The terms "include," "have," and variations thereof, as used herein, mean the same as the term "comprise" or appropriate variation thereof. Furthermore, the term "based on," as used herein, means "based at least in part on." Thus, a feature that is described as based on some stimulus may be based only on the stimulus or a combination of stimuli including the stimulus.
[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example imaging device module 102. A slot interface 106 is fixedly coupled to a frame 142. The slot interface 106 comprises a guide member 116 that forms part of a channel. The guide member 116 includes a guide wall to guide a bracket in the channel as discussed further herein, a first panel portion substantially parallel to and in contact with the frame 142, and a second panel portion defining an aperture and not directly in contact with the frame 142.
[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example system 100 of assembled example imaging device modules 102 and 104. Figure 2 depicts the components of a slot and bracket attachment as hidden underneath the cosmetic covers 112 and 114. In general, the components of the slot and bracket attachment approach include a slot interface 106, a bracket 108, and a fastener 110 (e.g., multiple fasteners are shown in Figure 2). The covers 112 and 114 are shown on device modules 102 and 104, respectively, with the components of the slot and bracket attachment approach shown in dotted lines underneath the covers 112 and 114. In this manner, the form of the attachment is not visible to the end user because the cosmetic upper cover 112 and the cosmetic lower cover 114 conceal the attachment components connecting the structural frames of the modules 102 and 104. For example, the cover 112 may be attached to a frame 142 to conceal a portion of the slot interface 106 (e.g. a portion of a guide member of the slot interface 106) and expose a portion of the slot interface 106 (e.g., an entry at an end of the slot interface 106 as discussed with reference to Figure 3), and the cover 114 may conceal the rest of the slot interface 106 not concealed by the cover 112. The covers 112 and 114 may be removable or otherwise movable away from the attachment site, such as an installation door on a hinge, to allow for access to the attachment site on the frame.
[0011] Figures 3-5 are perspective views of example assembly states of an example system 100. Figure 3 is an example initial alignment state in which a first frame 142 of first device module 102 is being aligned with a second frame 144 of a second device module 104. As used herein, a frame is a physical support structure of a device module and may be able to bear moments (e.g., forces) on the device module. The slot interface 106 is fixedly coupled to the first frame 142. The slot interface 106 may be connected to the frame 142 in any appropriate manner (such as fasteners or a rivet-less joining system) that generates a fixed coupling between the slot interface 106 and the frame 142. The connection may be rigid so that any moment carries as directly as possible through the slot interface 106. For example, a portion of a guide member 116 may be securely fastened to the frame 142 based on mating contours, such as contours formed by a rivet-less joining system. The directness of the connection of the slot interface 106 to the frame 142 may, for example, improve the likelihood that a moment is transferred to the base module via the slot and bracket connection.
[0012] The slot interface 106 generally includes a guide member that forms part of a channel. Referring to Figure 3, the slot interface 106 includes two guide members 116 and 118. The guide members generally include a guide wall, a portion in contact with the frame, and a portion not in contact with the frame. For example, the guide member 116 includes a guide wall 120, a first panel portion 122 in contact with the frame 142, and a second panel portion 124 extending past the frame 142 and defining an aperture 126. The first panel portion 122 and the second panel portion 124 may be substantially parallel to the frame 142 and may be portions of the same panel. The guide member 116 of Figure 3 includes a fifth panel portion 128 that is opposite the first panel portion. The guide member 118 includes a guide wall 130, a third panel portion 132, a fourth panel portion 134, and a sixth panel portion 138 that are similar to (and correspond with) the components of the guide member 116.
[0013] Referring to Figure 3, the guide members 116 and 118 define a channel. The fifth (front) panel portion 128 and the back panel (including portions 122 and 124 in Figure 3) define boundaries to a channel while the distance 140 between the guide walls 120 and 130 further define boundaries to the channel. For example, the panel portions 122, 124, 132, and 134 define a frame-facing side of the channel, the guide walls 130 and 120 define side walls substantially perpendicular to the frame surface, the panels 128 and 138 define a side of the channel facing away from the frame 142, and corresponding ends of those components form an entry of the channel at an end of the slot interface 106 which is located vertically below the first frame as shown in Figure 3. In this manner, a bracket may be placed in the slot interface through an entry at the portion of slot interface 106 that extends beyond the frame 142 as depicted by Figure 4.
[0014] The device module 102 is aligned and placed adjacent to the device module 104 in the direction of arrow 166 so that the frames 142 and 144 are aligned. For example, the aperture 126 of Figure 3 may align with an aperture of the frame 144. Other alignment features, such as features 148 of Figure 3 may designate locations to match the attachment components so that the bracket and slot interface properly align with the frames to transfer a moment. Alignment of the slot and bracket attachment components is discussed further with respect to Figure 6.
[0015] Figure 4 depicts the imaging system 100 with the components of a slot and bracket attachment approach in an example bracket installation state. Referring to Figure 4, the frames 142 and 144 of the modules 102 and 104 respectively, are abutted and aligned to be flush on a surface. A bracket 108 is aligned with the slot interface 106 and may be pushed into the channel of the slot interface 106 in the direction of arrow 168. The bracket 108 may be oriented at an angle to the surface of the frame 144 during insertion into the slot interface 106, for example, to allow for the bracket 108 to pass by protruding alignment features. A first portion of the bracket 108 may be flat (such as the blade 172), tubular, or otherwise compatible with the slot interface (e.g., structured to snuggly fit in the channel of the slot interface) and a second portion of the bracket 108 may define an aperture 150 to assist fastening the bracket 108 to the slot interface 106 as shown in Figure 5.
[0016] Figure 5 depicts the imaging system 100 with the components of a slot and bracket attachment approach in a fastened state. Referring to Figure 5, the bracket 108 may slide into the slot interface 106 until an end cap 152 is reached at an end of the slot interface 106, where the end cap 152 may include a tab 154 to assist alignment of a projecting portion at an end of the slot interface 106. For example, the end cap 152 may be a wall extending perpendicular from the frame-facing surface of the slot interface 106 to limit a distance of the bracket 108 along the channel of the slot interface 106 and the tab 154 may define a first surface that is tapered to assist contact of a second surface of the first portion of the bracket 108. The end cap 152 and tab 154 may be part of the slot interface and/or the frame. The bracket 108 may be aligned to an appropriate location in the slot interface 106 and/or an appropriate location on the frame 144. For example, the bracket 108 may include alignment features 158 to assist orientation of the bracket 108. The bracket 108 may include a contour surface, such as contour 156 to allow the bracket to properly contact a surface of the frame 144 as well as a surface of the slot interface 106 so that the bracket 108 may be flush with both the slot interface 106 and the frame 144 at the same time (e.g., during a fastened state). The bracket 108 is fastened by to the slot interface 106 and/or the base device module frame 144. In the example of Figure 5 and as shown in more detail in Figure 6, the fastener 110 connects the bracket 108 to both the slot interface 106 and the frame 144 of device module 104. In this manner, the modules 142 and 144 are connected via the slot and bracket combination.
[0017] Figure 6 is an exploded view of example components of an example system of example imaging device modules 102 and 104. The example system 100 of Figure 6 generally includes an upper device module 102, a lower device module 104, a bracket 108, and a fastener 110. Other example systems may include any appropriate number of the components in accordance with the desired model and the desired security of the attachment between modules. For example, the system 100 of Figure 5 includes five fasteners 110 to attach the slot and bracket attachment components to the frame 144.
[0018] In the example of Figure 6, the slot interface 106 is composed of a plurality of guide members (e.g., 116 and 118 of Figure 5) fixedly coupled to the frame 142. In other examples, the slot interface may be composed of a single guide member with panels and guide walls integrated into the single guide member to define a channel to receive the bracket. The slot interface 106 may include an aperture 126 on a portion of the slot interface that extends passed the frame 142. In the example of Figure 6, the slot interface 106 includes multiple apertures 126 that extend past the upper frame 142 that correspond with apertures 146 in the lower frame 144. The lower frame 144 may include apertures 146 at different portions of the lower frame 144 to allow for the bracket 108 to be fastened at those locations of the lower frame 144.
[0019] Referring to Figure 6, the bracket 108 includes a first portion at a first end of the bracket (e.g., the blade 172) and a second portion that defines an aperture 150. The first portion slidably fits in the channel defined by the slot interface 106. In the example of Figure 6, the aperture 150 defined by the second portion corresponds to an aperture 146 of the lower frame 144 and the aperture 126 of the slot interface 106. A fastener 110 couples the bracket 108, the slot interface 106, and the lower frame 144 at the apertures 126, 146, and 150 as depicted by line 170. In other examples, the first frame 142 and second frame 144 may overlap and the fastener 110 may secure the bracket and the slot interface to both the first frame and the second frame along the same line.
[0020] Alignment features may be provided in the components of the slot and bracket attachment approach that correspond to alignment features on the frames to assist in alignment of the components and device modules during assembly. As used herein, an alignment feature includes any structural characteristic that identifies a location. Example alignment features include protrusions, projections, indents, apertures, or other structural profiles that may have corresponding contours with another alignment feature. In this manner, an alignment feature may have a matching alignment feature to indicate when a component of the slot and bracket attachment is in a proper orientation and/or location. The upper device module 102 of Figure 6 includes an upper frame 142 with a plurality of alignment features 164 to align with a corresponding plurality of alignment features 162 of the slot interface 106. For example, the upper frame 142 may include a first and second alignment feature 164 on the surface of the frame 142 where the guide members 116 and 118 include portions that define alignment features 162 corresponding to the first and second alignment features 164 on the upper frame 142. The lower device module 104 of Figure 5 includes lower frame 144 which may have a plurality of alignment features 148 corresponding to a plurality of alignment features 158 of the bracket 108. For example, a first and second alignment features 158 may be offset to provide proper orientation of the bracket 108 to allow for the apertures 126, 146, and 150 to line up (as indicated by line 170 of Figure 6) and allow fastener 110 to secure the components together.
[0021] The bracket 108 may include a blade (e.g., bracket portion 172) with tapered corners 160 at the end of the blade to assist insertion of the blade into the channel of the slot interface 106. The bracket 108 may include a contour where the blade portion 172 and the handle portion 174 are offset by a width of a frame-facing panel of the slot interface 106. The bracket 108 may be fastened to the slot interface 106 at about the midpoint of the bracket 108 and may also be fastened to the lower frame 144 at other locations to ensure secure fastening of the bracket 108 to the lower frame 144. The locations of fasteners 1 10 to secure the bracket 108 may be arranged based on the expected moment and/or desired transfer of moment by the slot and bracket attachment.
[0022] No specific indication of attachment of the slot interface 106 to the upper frame 142 is shown in Figure 6. Any number of fastening techniques may be used. For example, the guide members 116 and 118 may be securely fastened to the upper frame 142 by screws or a rivet-less technique. The degree of fastening of the slot interface 106 and the bracket 108 to the frames 142 and 144 may affect, for example, factors such as complexity of assembly and likelihood of a transfer of a possible moment.
[0023] In the example slot and bracket attachment approach depicted in Figures 1-6, the bracket 108 is fastened to the lower frame 144 and is not fastened directly to the upper frame 142. For example, the first portion of the bracket (e.g. the blade 172) is only connected to the first frame via the slot interface by a plurality of guide members, the end cap, and/or the tab. Because the portion of the bracket 108 that is fastened with fasteners does not overlap the first frame (e.g., overlaps only the second frame), the cover of the device module 102 (e.g., cosmetic cover 112 of Figure 2) may be left on during installation of the bracket 108 and otherwise during completion of the assembly of the device modules together to complete the system 100. In this manner, assembly time may be reduced, for example, as well as allowing an orientation of the modules to allow for moment to be compensated for, even though the lower device module 104 and the upper device module 102 are not directly fastened, but are fastened indirectly via a bracket and slot interface connection.
[0024] The components discussed herein may be made of sheet metal, plastic, or other structurally appropriate material. In some examples, functionalities described herein in relation to any of Figures 1-6 may be provided in combination with functionalities described herein in relation to any of Figures 7-9.
[0025] Figures 7-9 are flow diagrams depicting example methods 700, 800, and 900 of connecting a first imaging device module to a second imaging device module.
[0026] Referring to Figure 7, example method 700 of connecting a first imaging device module to a second imaging device module may generally comprise sliding a bracket into a slot interface fixedly coupled to the first imaging device module and fastening the bracket to the second imaging device module.
[0027] At block 702, a blade of a bracket is slid into a channel defined by a slot interface that is fixedly coupled to the frame of the first imaging device module. The blade of the bracket may be slid into the channel while a cosmetic cover is installed on the first imaging device module. In that example, assembly time may be saved by not having to take off the cover of the first imaging device module. At block 704, the bracket is fastened to the frame of the second imaging device module. Though the bracket may not be directly fastened to the first frame, the bracket is able to transfer moment from the first frame via the slot interface and to the second frame via the direct fastening to the second frame. The cover of the second imaging device module may be removed (e.g., an installation door on the cosmetic cover of the device module is opened) to slide in and fasten the bracket and then reapplied (e.g., the installation door is closed) after the assembly is completed. In this manner, only the cover of the second imaging device module is manipulated and not the cover of the first imaging device module to perform the assembly of the first and second imaging device modules.
[0028] Figure 8 includes blocks similar to blocks of Figure 7 and provides additional blocks and details. In particular, Figure 8 depicts additional blocks and details generally regarding aligning the bracket and fastening the bracket to the slot interface. Blocks 802 and 808 of method 800 are similar to blocks 702 and 704 of Figure 7 and, for brevity, their respective descriptions are not repeated. At block 804, the bracket is aligned using a first plurality of alignment features on the bracket corresponding to a second plurality of alignment features on the frame of the second imaging device module. At block 806, the bracket is fastened to the slot interface. The fastening of blocks 806 and 808 may be performed using the same fastener, such as depicted with regards to Figure 5, so that the second frame, the slot interface, and the bracket are secured together using a fastener.
[0029] Figure 9 is an example method 900 of connecting a first imaging device module to a second imaging device module that generally includes aligning the slot interface on the first imaging device module and securing the slot interface to the first imaging device module. At block 902, the slot interface is aligned on a frame of the first imaging device module. The slot interface may be aligned using alignment features. The slot interface may be aligned so that a portion of the slot interface extends beyond the first frame (e.g., and extends onto a second frame with reference to the second frame of the second imaging device module when the modules are aligned and placed adjacent to the first imaging device module). At block 904, the slot interface is securely joined to the frame of the first imaging device module. For example, the slot interface may be securely joined to the frame of the first imaging device module using a rivet-less technique where force is applied to the surfaces of the slot interface and the frame of the first imaging device module so that they are modified to having mating contours that are secured together due to the shape of the contours. The methods 700 or 800 may follow the method 900 to complete the assembly operations of an imaging device, such as a multifunction printer.
[0030] Although the flow diagrams of Figures 7-9 illustrate specific orders of execution, the order of execution may differ from that which is illustrated. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, the blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. All such variations are within the scope of the present description.
[0031] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the elements of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or elements are mutually exclusive.
a frame (142);
a slot interface (106) fixedly coupled to the frame (142), the slot interface (106) comprising:
a first guide member (116) to form part of a channel, the first guide member (116) comprising:
a first guide wall (120);
a first panel portion (122) substantially parallel to and in contact with the frame (142); and
a second panel portion (124) defining a first aperture (126), the second panel portion (124) not in contact with the frame (142).
a second guide wall (130);
a third panel portion (132) substantially parallel to and in contact with the frame (142); and
a fourth panel portion (134) coupled to the third panel portion (132), the fourth panel portion (134) not in contact with the frame (142) and defining a second aperture (126).
the first guide member (116) further comprises a fifth panel portion (128) opposite the first panel portion (122);
the second guide member (118) further comprises a sixth panel portion (138) opposite the third panel portion (132);
the first panel portion (122), the second panel portion (124), the third panel portion (132), and the fourth panel portion (134) defining a frame-facing side of the channel defined by the first guide member (116) and the second guide member (118); and
the first guide member (116) and the second guide member (118) forming an entry of the channel at a first end of the slot interface (106).
an end stop (152) at a second end of the slot interface (106); and
a cover member (112) attached to the frame (142), the cover member (112) to conceal the first panel portion (122) of the first guide member (116) and the third panel portion (132) of the second guide member (118) and expose the entry at the first end of the slot interface (106).
the first panel portion (122) and the third panel portion (132) are securely fastened to the frame (142) based on mating contours.
the frame (142) further comprises a first alignment feature (164) on the surface of the frame (142) and a second alignment feature (164) on the surface of the frame (142);
the first panel portion (122) of the first guide member (116) defines a third alignment feature (162) corresponding to the first alignment feature (164) of the frame (142); and
the third panel portion (132) of the second guide member (118) defines a fourth alignment feature (162) corresponding to the second alignment feature (164) of the frame (142).
a first imaging device module according to claim 2;
a second device module (104) comprising:
a second frame (144) having a frame portion defining a second aperture (146) corresponding to the first aperture (126);
a bracket (108) comprising:
a first portion at a first end of the bracket, the first portion to slidably fit in the channel; and
a second portion that defines a third aperture (150) corresponding to the second aperture (146); and
a first fastener (110) coupling the bracket (108), the slot interface (106), and the second frame (144) at the first aperture (126), the second aperture (146), and the third aperture (150).
the first frame (142) has a first plurality of alignment features (164) corresponding to a second plurality of alignment features (162) on the slot interface (106); and
the second frame (144) has a third plurality of alignment features (148) corresponding to a fourth plurality of alignment features (158) of the bracket (108).
the bracket (108) is fastened to the second frame (144) at a third portion at a second end (174) of the bracket (108) using a second fastener (110); and
the slot interface (106) is attached to the first frame (142) using a rivet-less technique.
the first portion of the bracket (108) comprises a blade (172), the blade (172) having tapered corners (160) at the first end of the bracket (108) to assist insertion into the channel;
the first portion of the bracket (108) and the third portion of the bracket (108) are offset by a width of a surface of the slot interface (106); and
the third aperture (150) of the bracket (108) is located at about the midpoint of the bracket (108).
an end stop (152) to limit distance of the bracket (108) along the channel; and
a tab (154) defining a first surface that contacts a second surface of the first portion of the bracket (108), the first surface being tapered.
the first portion of the bracket (108) is only connected to the first frame (142) via the slot interface (106) by the plurality of guide members (116, 118), the end stop (152), and the tab (154); and
the second portion of the bracket (108) overlaps only the second frame (144).
sliding a blade (172) of a bracket (108) into a channel defined by a slot interface (106) fixedly coupled to a first frame (142) of the first imaging device module (102); and
fastening the bracket (108) to a second frame (144) of the second imaging device module (108).
aligning the bracket (108) using a first plurality of alignment features (158) on the bracket (108) corresponding to a second plurality of alignment features (148) on the second frame (144); and
fastening the bracket (108) to the slot interface (106).
aligning the slot interface (106) on the first frame (142) of the first imaging device module (102), the slot interface (106) comprising a first portion that extends beyond the first frame (142);
securely joining the slot interface (106) to the first frame (142) using a rivet-less technique,
wherein:
the sliding the blade (172) of the bracket (108) into the channel occurs while a cover (112) of the first imaging device module (102) is installed; and
the fastening the bracket (108) to the second frame (144) and the fastening the bracket (108) to the slot interface (106) are performed using the same fastener (110).
einen Rahmen (142);
eine Steckplatzschnittstelle (106), die mit dem Rahmen (142) fest gekoppelt ist, wobei die Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) Folgendes umfasst:
ein erstes Führungselement (116), um einen Teil eines Kanals auszubilden, wobei das erste Führungselement (116) Folgendes umfasst:
eine erste Führungswand (120);
einen ersten Plattenabschnitt (122), der im Wesentlichen parallel zu und mit dem Rahmen (142) in Berührung ist; und
einen zweiten Plattenabschnitt (124), der eine erste Öffnung (126) definiert, wobei der zweite Plattenabschnitt (124) mit dem Rahmen (142) nicht in Berührung ist.
eine zweite Führungswand (130);
einen dritten Plattenabschnitt (132), der im Wesentlichen parallel zu und mit dem Rahmen (142) in Berührung ist; und
einen vierten Plattenabschnitt (134), der mit dem dritten Plattenabschnitt (132) gekoppelt ist, wobei der vierte Plattenabschnitt (134) mit dem Rahmen (142) nicht in Berührung ist und eine zweite Öffnung (126) definiert.
das erste Führungselement (116) ferner einen fünften Plattenabschnitt (128) gegenüber dem ersten Plattenabschnitt (122) umfasst;
das zweite Führungselement (118) ferner einen sechsten Plattenabschnitt (138) gegenüber dem dritten Plattenabschnitt (132) umfasst;
der erste Plattenabschnitt (122), der zweite Plattenabschnitt (124), der dritte Plattenabschnitt (132) und der vierte Plattenabschnitt (134) eine dem Rahmen zugewandte Seite des Kanals, der durch das erste Führungselement (116) und das zweite Führungselement (118) definiert ist, definieren; und
das erste Führungselement (116) und das zweite Führungselement (118) einen Eingang des Kanals an einem ersten Ende der Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) ausbilden.
einen Endanschlag (152) an einem zweiten Ende der Steckplatzschnittstelle (106); und
ein Abdeckelement (112), das an dem Rahmen (142) angelagert ist, wobei das Abdeckelement (112) dazu dient, den ersten Plattenabschnitt (122) des ersten Führungselements (116) und den dritten Plattenabschnitt (132) des zweiten Führungselements (118) zu verbergen und den Eingang an dem ersten Ende der Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) freizulegen.
der erste Plattenabschnitt (122) und der dritte Plattenabschnitt (132) auf der Basis von zusammenpassenden Konturen auf dem Rahmen (142) sicher befestigt sind.
der Rahmen (142) ferner ein erstes Ausrichtungsmerkmal (164) auf der Oberfläche des Rahmens (142) und ein zweites Ausrichtungsmerkmal (164) auf der Oberfläche des Rahmens (142) umfasst;
der erste Plattenabschnitt (122) des ersten Führungselements (116) ein drittes Ausrichtungsmerkmal (162) definiert, das dem ersten Ausrichtungsmerkmal (164) des Rahmens (142) entspricht; und
der dritte Plattenabschnitt (132) des zweiten Führungselements (118) ein viertes Ausrichtungsmerkmal (162) definiert, das dem zweiten Ausrichtungsmerkmal (164) des Rahmens (142) entspricht.
ein erstes Bildgebungsvorrichtungsmodul nach Anspruch 2;
ein zweites Vorrichtungsmodul (104), das Folgendes umfasst:
einen zweiten Rahmen (144), der einen Rahmenabschnitt aufweist, der eine zweite Öffnung (146) definiert, die der ersten Öffnung (126) entspricht;
eine Halterung (108), die Folgendes umfasst:
einen ersten Abschnitt an einem ersten Ende der Halterung, wobei der erste Abschnitt dazu dient, verschiebbar in den Kanal zu passen; und
einen zweiten Abschnitt, der eine dritte Öffnung (150) definiert, die der zweiten Öffnung (146) entspricht; und
ein erstes Befestigungsmittel (110), das die Halterung (108), die Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) und den zweiten Rahmen (144) an der ersten Öffnung (126), der zweiten Öffnung (146) und der dritten Öffnung (150) koppelt.
der erste Rahmen (142) erste mehrere Ausrichtungsmerkmale (164) aufweist, die zweiten mehreren Ausrichtungsmerkmalen (162) auf der Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) entsprechen; und
der zweite Rahmen (144) dritte mehrere Ausrichtungsmerkmale (148) aufweist, die vierten mehreren Ausrichtungsmerkmalen (158) der Halterung (108) entsprechen.
die Halterung (108) an dem zweiten Rahmen (144) an einem dritten Abschnitt an einem zweiten Ende (174) der Halterung (108) unter Verwendung eines zweiten Befestigungsmittels (110) befestigt ist; und
die Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) unter Verwendung einer nietenlosen Technik an dem ersten Rahmen (142) angelagert ist.
der erste Abschnitt der Halterung (108) eine Schaufel (172) umfasst, wobei die Schaufel (172) konisch zulaufende Ecken (160) an dem ersten Ende der Halterung (108) aufweist, um ein Einführen in den Kanal zu unterstützen;
der erste Abschnitt der Halterung (108) und der dritte Abschnitt der Halterung (108) um eine Breite einer Oberfläche der Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) versetzt sind; und
sich die dritte Öffnung (150) der Halterung (108) etwa an dem Mittelpunkt der Halterung (108) befindet.
einen Endanschlag (152), um einen Abstand der Halterung (108) entlang des Kanals zu begrenzen; und
eine Lasche (154), die eine erste Oberfläche definiert, die eine zweite Oberfläche des ersten Abschnitts der Halterung (108) berührt, wobei die erste Oberfläche konisch zuläuft.
der erste Abschnitt der Halterung (108) durch die mehreren Führungselemente (116, 118), den Endanschlag (152) und die Lasche (154) über die Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) nur mit dem ersten Rahmen (142) verbunden ist; und
der zweite Abschnitt der Halterung (108) nur mit dem zweiten Rahmen (144) überlappt.
Schieben einer Schaufel (172) einer Halterung (108) in einen Kanal, der durch eine Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) definiert ist, die mit einem ersten Rahmen (142) des ersten Bildgebungsvorrichtungsmoduls (102) fest gekoppelt ist; und
Befestigen der Halterung (108) an einem zweiten Rahmen (144) des zweiten Bildgebungsvorrichtungsmoduls (108).
Ausrichten der Halterung (108) unter Verwendung erster mehrerer Ausrichtungsmerkmale (158) auf der Halterung (108), die zweiten mehreren Ausrichtungsmerkmalen (148) auf dem zweiten Rahmen (144) entsprechen; und
Befestigen der Halterung (108) an der Steckplatzschnittstelle (106).
Ausrichten der Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) auf dem ersten Rahmen (142) des ersten Bildgebungsvorrichtungsmoduls (102), wobei die Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) einen ersten Abschnitt umfasst, der sich über den ersten Rahmen (142) hinaus erstreckt;
sicheres Anfügen der Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) an den ersten Rahmen (142) unter Verwendung einer nietenlosen Technik,
wobei:
das Schieben der Schaufel (172) der Halterung (108) in den Kanal erfolgt, während eine Abdeckung (112) des ersten Bildgebungsvorrichtungsmoduls (102) installiert ist; und
das Befestigen der Halterung (108) an dem zweiten Rahmen (144) und das Befestigen der Halterung (108) an der Steckplatzschnittstelle (106) unter Verwendung desselben Befestigungsmittels (110) ausgeführt werden.
un cadre (142) ;
une interface de fente (106) accouplée de manière ferme au cadre (142), l'interface de fente (106) comprenant :
un premier élément de guidage (116) destiné à faire partie d'un canal, le premier élément de guidage (116) comprenant :
une première paroi de guidage (120) ;
une première partie de panneau (122) sensiblement parallèle au cadre (142) et en contact avec celui-ci ; et
une deuxième partie de panneau (124) définissant une première ouverture (126), la deuxième partie de panneau (124) n'étant pas en contact avec le cadre (142).
une seconde paroi de guidage (130) ;
une troisième partie de panneau (132) sensiblement parallèle au cadre (142) et en contact avec celui-ci ; et
une quatrième partie de panneau (134) accouplée à la troisième partie de panneau (132), la quatrième partie de panneau (134) n'étant pas en contact avec le cadre (142) et définissant une deuxième ouverture (126).
le premier élément de guidage (116) comprenant en outre une cinquième partie de panneau (128) opposée à la première partie de panneau (122) ;
le second élément de guidage (118) comprenant en outre une sixième partie de panneau (138) opposée à la troisième partie de panneau (132) ;
la première partie de panneau (122), la deuxième partie de panneau (124), la troisième partie de panneau (132) et la quatrième partie de panneau (134) définissant un côté faisant face au cadre du canal défini par le premier élément de guidage (116) et le second élément de guidage (118) ; et
le premier élément de guidage (116) et le second élément de guidage (118) formant une entrée du canal au niveau d'une première extrémité de l'interface de fente (106).
une butée d'extrémité (152) au niveau d'une seconde extrémité de l'interface de fente (106) ; et
un élément de recouvrement (112) attaché au cadre (142), l'élément de recouvrement (112) dissimulant la première partie de panneau (122) du premier élément de guidage (116) et la troisième partie de panneau (132) du second élément de guidage (118) et exposant l'entrée au niveau de la première extrémité de l'interface de fente (106).
la première partie de panneau (122) et la troisième partie de panneau (132) étant fixées de manière sûre au cadre (142) sur la base de profils homologues.
le cadre (142) comprenant en outre une première caractéristique d'alignement (164) sur la surface du cadre (142) et une deuxième caractéristique d'alignement (164) sur la surface du cadre (142) ;
la première partie de panneau (122) du premier élément de guidage (116) définissant une troisième caractéristique d'alignement (162) correspondant à la première caractéristique d'alignement (164) du cadre (142) ; et
la troisième partie de panneau (132) du second élément de guidage (118) définissant une quatrième caractéristique d'alignement (162) correspondant à la deuxième caractéristique d'alignement (164) du cadre (142).
un premier module de dispositif d'imagerie selon la revendication 2 ;
un second module de dispositif (104) comprenant :
un second cadre (144) ayant une partie de cadre définissant une deuxième ouverture (146) correspondant à la première ouverture (126) ;
un support (108) comprenant :
une première partie au niveau d'une première extrémité du support, la première partie devant rentrer de manière coulissante dans le canal ; et
une deuxième partie qui définit une troisième ouverture (150) correspondant à la deuxième ouverture (146) ; et
une première fixation (110) accouplant le support (108), l'interface de fente (106) et le second cadre (144) au niveau de la première ouverture (126), de la deuxième ouverture (146) et de la troisième ouverture (150).
le premier cadre (142) ayant une première pluralité de caractéristiques d'alignement (164) correspondant à une deuxième pluralité de caractéristiques d'alignement (162) sur l'interface de fente (106) ; et
le second cadre (144) ayant une troisième pluralité de caractéristiques d'alignement (148) correspondant à une quatrième pluralité de caractéristiques d'alignement (158) du support (108).
le support (108) étant fixé au second cadre (144) au niveau d'une troisième partie au niveau d'une seconde extrémité (174) du support (108) à l'aide d'une seconde fixation (110) ; et
l'interface de fente (106) étant attachée au premier cadre (142) à l'aide d'une technique sans rivet.
la première partie du support (108) comprenant une lame (172), la lame (172) ayant des coins effilés (160) au niveau de la première extrémité du support (108) pour aider à l'insertion dans le canal ;
la première partie du support (108) et la troisième partie du support (108) étant décalées d'une largeur d'une surface de l'interface de fente (106) ; et
la troisième ouverture (150) du support (108) étant située à peu près au milieu du support (108).
une butée d'extrémité (152) pour limiter la distance du support (108) le long du canal ; et
une languette (154) définissant une première surface qui entre en contact avec une seconde surface de la première partie du support (108), la première surface étant effilée.
la première partie du support (108) étant uniquement liée au premier cadre (142) par l'intermédiaire de l'interface de fente (106) par la pluralité d'éléments de guidage (116, 118), la butée d'extrémité (152) et la languette (154) ; et
la seconde partie du support (108) chevauchant uniquement le second cadre (144).
le coulissement d'une lame (172) d'un support (108) dans un canal défini par une interface de fente (106) accouplée de manière ferme à un premier cadre (142) du premier module de dispositif d'imagerie (102) ; et
la fixation du support (108) à un second cadre (144) du second module de dispositif d'imagerie (108).
l'alignement du support (108) à l'aide d'une première pluralité de caractéristiques d'alignement (158) sur le support (108) correspondant à une seconde pluralité de caractéristiques d'alignement (148) sur le second cadre (144) ; et
la fixation du support (108) à l'interface de fente (106).
l'alignement de l'interface de fente (106) sur le premier cadre (142) du premier module de dispositif d'imagerie (102), l'interface de fente (106) comprenant une première partie qui s'étend au-delà du premier cadre (142) ;
l'assemblage sécurisé de l'interface de fente (106) au premier cadre (142) à l'aide d'une technique sans rivet :
le coulissement de la lame (172) du support (108) dans le canal se produisant tandis qu'un recouvrement (112) du premier module de dispositif d'imagerie (102) est installé ; et
la fixation du support (108) au second cadre (144) et la fixation du support (108) à l'interface de fente (106) étant effectuées à l'aide de la même fixation (110).
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description